Q1
How was French society divided before the revolution?
AInto three estates
BInto two classes only
CEqually, with no divisions
DInto ten separate castes
CBSEClass 9 (CBSE)Social ScienceCh 1 · Topic 1
Causes of the French Revolution
The French Revolution (1789) was caused by a combination of social inequality, economic hardship, and Enlightenment ideas that challenged th
Core concept
French society was divided into three estates, with the clergy and nobility (First and Second Estates) enjoying privileges while the common people (Third Estate) bore heavy taxation.
How it works
Economic hardship, including food shortages, rising bread prices, and government debt from wars and lavish royal spending, fuelled widespread public discontent.
Why it matters
Enlightenment thinkers like Rousseau and Voltaire spread ideas about liberty, equality, and questioning the divine right of kings, inspiring people to demand change.
Key detail
The combination of social inequality, economic crisis, and revolutionary ideas eventually led to the storming of the Bastille in 1789, marking the start of the revolution.
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• French society had three estates: clergy, nobility and commoners.
• The Third Estate bore heavy taxation.
• Economic hardship included food shortages and government debt.
• Rising bread prices fuelled public anger.
• Enlightenment thinkers included Rousseau and Voltaire.
• Enlightenment ideas promoted liberty and equality.
• These ideas questioned the divine right of kings.
• The Bastille was stormed in 1789, starting the revolution.